Going back to last weeks blog, a kidney transplant is generally the best option for a patient with end-stage renal disease. Even though this is a life saving procedure, there are still many ethical questions to consider. The first ever kidney transplant occurred in 1954, and since then researchers have been improving the procedure to keep these kidneys lasting longer. As a result certain problems have arose, such as when to remove the kidneys when a patient dies, and when to declare him or her dead. Starting from the late 1960’s, laws were put in place to help those who want to donate their organs when they die, and to prevent the direct purchasing of kidneys to the patient.
Since these laws were passed many began to donate their kidneys, however this number is still not high enough. Every year the wait list keeps growing, and many die because they couldn’t find a match in time. As of January 2016, there are 100,791 patients waiting to receive a lifesaving kidney, and 3,000 new patients are added each month. In order to save more lives, should incentives be given to those who choose to donate? According to the US National library of medicine, many of those who need kidneys may go abroad, because they may be desperate to find a kidney quickly. As a result, many of these patients don’t question where the kidney itself comes from. Unfortunately, it has been found that many kidney donors in foreign countries donate so they can pay off debt to other people, and not just for charity. These donors also come from impoverished areas, where they are in need of money. Selling a kidney may not completely help out the financial situation of some. Many in fact still remain impoverished, as the debt they need to pay becomes too high. Does being paid to donate a kidney bring in more potential donors? Maybe. However, the health of both parties should be examined to make an accurate call. The kidney may help to save a life, but losing that kidney may not solve the problems of the donor. With money being thrown into the process in the United States, we may see the same result that has risen in foreign countries: a black market that feeds of the poor that only benefits certain people. Sources: "The President's Council on Bioethics: Organ Transplantation: Ethical Dilemmas and Policy Choices." The President's Council on Bioethics: Organ Transplantation: Ethical Dilemmas and Policy Choices. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 Apr. 2017. <https://bioethicsarchive.georgetown.edu/pcbe/background/org_transplant.html>. Adair, Anya, and Stephen J. Wigmore. "Paid organ donation: the case against." Annals of The Royal College of Surgeons of England. The Royal College of Surgeons of England, Apr. 2011. Web. 05 Apr. 2017. <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3291132/> "Organ Donation and Transplantation Statistics." The National Kidney Foundation. N.p., 11 Jan. 2016. Web. 05 Apr. 2017. <https://www.kidney.org/news/newsroom/factsheets/Organ-Donation-and-Transplantation-Stats>.
3 Comments
Raylene Streuber
4/10/2017 10:54:25 am
Scary stuff! How long can someone typically stay alive once they are in the last stage of renal failure? Are they placed on the waiting list early on to give them more time or can you not be put on the list until the final stage?
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Muhammad Ali
4/10/2017 03:17:25 pm
If the patient is in the last stage of renal failure, they normally live for about five more years. Unfortunately, you cannot be placed on the wait list early for more time. The only way to receive a kidney without waiting is if the patient has a family member who would like to give them his/her kidney.
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Raylene
4/10/2017 03:21:08 pm
Thanks for the info.
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